Lizzo’s persistence in pursuing higher vibrations through her music is a life-altering experience that feels like that last bit of inspiration needed to cross any finish line.
On her fourth studio album, Special, Lizzo further solidifies her mastery of making universally relatable music while simultaneously intertwining her personal vulnerabilities. So far, one of the most uplifting albums released this year, Special, led by the single “About D*mn Time,” contains 12 musical tracks and one track with a personal message from the powerhouse vocalist.
Overall, the majority of songs are upbeat, hard-hitting dance entries even when the topics of the songs could be as serious as a breakup or self-love. At first listen, there’s an overwhelming impression of commercial pop that is formulaic for radio play. That initial feeling melts away with every listen, however, mostly thanks to the substance resonating from Lizzo’s heartfelt lyrics.
The remarkable “I Love You B*tch” catches Lizzo in one of her most vulnerable, yet playful, moments on the album. Inspired by Houston rapper Z-Ro’s infamous “I Hate U B*tch,” Lizzo borrows the melody of the song and flips the concept so that it can be applied to a significant other or best friend in an endearing way. In the absence of those parties, “I Love You B*tch” is easily a self-love anthem that serves both laughs and tears.
It’s so befitting that “Special,” another song that dives headfirst into what feels like Lizzo’s diary of thoughts, follows the melodic tune. Lizzo hits the core of the human spirit with much-needed lyrics in which she sings, “In case nobody told you today / You’re special / In case nobody made you believe / You’re special / Well, I will always love you the same / You’re special / I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken but d*mn, you’re still perfect.”
The song is a precursor to the slower tempo “If You Love Me,” harvesting the same uplifting message of gratitude for humanity, along with an underlining sorrowfulness that prompts the question why a song like this is needed in the first place. It’s the whole in order to know what sunshine looks like, one would have to be familiar with the opposite, a gloomy rainy day.
Another tough tune, “Break Up Twice,” revives the nostalgic Lauryn Hill hit single “Doo Wop” combined with a bluesy rock, R&B instrumentation produced by Mark Ronson. The track is based on the real-life story of Lizzo’s friend threatening a man she was dating at a barbecue and serves as a perfect healing karaoke song for potentially toxic relationships in the most spirited way.
Lizzo is known for being controversial without even trying, whether that’s through her creative expression in fashion or choice words for the Internet. It’s not surprising that she has two songs, “Naked” and “Everybody’s Gay,” that lean into that nuance of being a big girl with the audacity to have human proclivities in which she expresses the desire to be sexually attractive or have a judgement-free moment of letting loose. While one would think the thrill of such topics would be as dull as the year 2022 by now, some people might be triggered by Lizzo’s assertions.
Although every song on the album presents quality, replay value, “Grrrls” may be the one track to hit the viral universe on some social media, trendy dance vibes or be featured in a fun film montage. Brimming with hip hop and pop swag, the ponytail swinging, booty-popping song about ladies teaming up to conquer a Goliath causing issues is definitely suitable for a colorful, energetic music video, like tomorrow.
Special took three years for Lizzo to create and every single song on the album — vulgarities, jokes, and all — make for a uniquely honest petition for her listeners to give themselves a very big hug. For that reason alone, Lizzo is that b*tch.
